The Hobart-class will also have an Australian developed interface installed to integrate the Aegis combat system with the rest of the ship’s systems.
The upgraded version of the Aegis combat system for the Hobart-class Destroyers will also be installed in the new Hunter Class frigates, providing Defence with world-leading technology while improving sovereign shipbuilding capability.
As part of the Government’s enterprise approach, the Australian Interface will be designed and developed by Saab Australia, leveraging their combat management system experience gained across the rest of Navy’s surface fleet. The Australian Interface will also be common across both the Hobart and Hunter classes.
“By installing the latest Aegis combat system and developing the Australian Interface here in Australia, we are guaranteeing the development of a long‑term Australian combat management system capability,”
Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC
The Australian Department of Defence will commence industry and State engagement to inform Government consideration in 2021 on the shipyard location to deliver these upgrades. Work in Australia to install the new Aegis combat system and Australian Interface in Navy’s destroyers and frigates is planned to commence in 2024.
About Hobart-class Destroyers
The three Hobart-class destroyers Hobart, Brisbane and Sydney are based on the Navantia designed F100 frigate and is coupled it with the Aegis Combat System. They were constructed in Australia by the Air Warfare Destroyer Alliance.
The Hobart-class provides air defence for accompanying ships in addition to land forces and infrastructure in coastal areas, and for self-protection against missiles and aircraft. The Aegis Combat System incorporating the state-of-the-art phased array radar, AN/SPY 1D(V), in combination with the SM-2 missile, will provide an advanced air defence system capable of engaging enemy aircraft and missiles at ranges in excess of 150km.
The Hobart-class ships carry a MH-60R helicopter for surveillance and response to support key warfare areas. The surface warfare function will include long range anti-ship missiles and a naval gun capable of firing extended range munitions in support of land forces.
They also conduct undersea warfare and be equipped with modern sonar systems, decoys, surface-launched torpedoes and an array of effective close-in defensive weapons.
These capabilities ensure that the Hobart-class guided missile destroyers have the layered defensive and offensive capability required to counter conventional and asymmetric threats.
Hobart-class characteristics
- Displacement: 7,000 tonnes full load
- Length: 147.2 metres (483 ft)
- Beam: 18.6 metres (61 ft)
- Draught: 5.17 metres (17.0 ft)
- Speed: 28+ knots
- Range: 5,000 nautical miles at 18 knots
- Complement: 186 + 16 aircrew
